For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,444 students in Waukegan, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL are Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waukegan, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Waukegan have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Waukegan, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1200 W Glen Flora Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-0690
Gr: K-8 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
John R Lewis Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
600 S Lewis Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2560
Gr: 6-8 | 721 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Edith M Smith Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
930 New York St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2760
Gr: 6-8 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Robert E Abbott Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1319 Washington St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2360
Gr: 6-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Jack Benny Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1401 Montesano Ave
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Waukegan, IL 60087
(224) 303-2470
Gr: 6-8 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #66.
Miguel Juarez Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 N Butrick St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Waukegan, IL 60085
(224) 303-2660
Gr: 6-8 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Waukegan, IL include Learn John Kathy Schreiber Chrtr, John R Lewis Middle School and Edith M Smith Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Waukegan?
6 public middle schools are located in Waukegan.
What is the racial composition of students in Waukegan?
Waukegan public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Waukegan are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Waukegan include: Edith M Smith Middle School vs. Jack Benny Middle School, Robert E Abbott Middle School vs. John R Lewis Middle School, John R Lewis Middle School vs. Robert E Abbott Middle School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.